Liu shangze

The Time We Still Have

Character Design

CHARACTER 01

Young Patient

CHARACTER 02

Older Patient

Key Scenes

GALLERY

Use the arrows to explore

Project Introduction

This is a narrative choice-based game with two independent main storylines. Players can take the role of either Chen Xiao or

Mr. Chen, living through a cancer patient’s complete journey: from first discovering symptoms and receiving a diagnosis, to

confirming treatment plans, making difficult decisions during therapy, and facing the final critical choice.

Every choice shapes the follow-up plot and leads to distinct endings, placing you in countless dilemmas that require careful

thought. Built on long-term clinical research and real-world observation, the game authentically reflects the communication

between patients, families and physicians, as well as their hesitation, reluctance and differing perspectives at pivotal

moments.

It aims to help players truly understand the real dilemmas cancer patients face, foster a rational attitude toward all choices,

and call for more empathy, warmth and support for people living with cancer.

Motivation

Cancer is not only a medical issue. It also involves patient autonomy, family responsibility, trust, and

dignity. In the Chinese context, families are often informed before patients and may decide whether the

diagnosis should be disclosed. Such protection can provide support, but it can also deprive patients of

the opportunity to understand their condition, arrange their lives, and make their own choices. The

project transforms these ethical questions into decisions that players must experience, revealing the

pressures faced by patients, families, and doctors.

What the Project Expresses

The game does not present the patient, family, or doctor as entirely right or wrong. Instead, it argues

that medical decisions must remain centered on the patient. Autonomy does not mean leaving patients

alone with difficult information, while family care does not justify replacing their wishes. Meaningful

shared decision-making requires honest and compassionate communication that considers the patient’s

values, goals, and capacity to endure treatment. The game also challenges the idea that stopping

treatment means giving up. When cure is no longer possible, relieving pain, preserving dignity,

fulfilling final wishes, and spending time with family remain important forms of care.

Main Arguments

• Patients have a right to know and to choose how they receive information.

• Families should support patients rather than replace their wishes.

• Autonomy is shaped by family, finances, age, culture, and emotion.

• Treatment value should include quality of life, suffering, and family burden—not only survival time.

• Hospice care is not abandonment but a shift toward comfort and dignity.

• Medical ethics rarely has a perfect answer; what matters is who decides, why, and who bears the consequences.

The Time

We Still Have

A story about love, choices, and the moments that matter.

Start Game

Story Overview

STORY 01

Young Patient

STORY 02

Older Patient